The principles of levers and simple machines are presented here. An easy-to-make lever is constructed by each group of scientists, and they use it to explore how this simple machine makes heavy things so much easier to lift and move. A...

Youngsters are introduced to the basic principles and uses of the wheel and the axle. They come up with every day examples of simple machines and look into why the wheel and the axle are best-used as a paired machine instead of used...

The principles and uses of inclined planes, screws, and wedges are the focus of a science lesson. In it, youngsters come up with every day examples of simple machines, and build an example of one in class. That project is then used to...

Fourth graders observe examples of simple machines found in the school, playground, and work environment. In this simple machines lesson, 4th graders review simple machines by viewing three web sites. Students tour the school and grounds...

Learners investigate simple machines and their uses in everyday life.  In this scientific method lesson plan, students examine physical tools such as wedges, screws, and levers using a "how does it work" approach.  Learners...

Third graders recognize simple machines in their environment. They create a picture of his/her simple machine in Kid Pix Studio. Once students have completed their picture have them save it to their desktop or disk. Next they create a...

Learners recognize simple machines in their environment, create a picture of a simple machine using KidPix Software, and appropriately name and identify the type of simple machine that they have created using their keyboard.

Sixth graders discover how humans modify their environment. They work together to design their own simple machine to transport materials. They record observations and suggest modifications.

Second graders explain the relationship between energy and work. In this technology lesson, 2nd graders describe the different uses of machines in their everyday lives. They record observations and data in their science journal.

Students compare and contrast simple machines and their functions. In this cross-curriculum science simple machines lesson, students observe examples and read about simple machines, then use body movement to demonstrate how machines...

Learners create a simple machine to help with the design of the traditional can opener. In this simple machines lesson plan, students analyze the can opener, and use the design process to solve problems.

Students explain how simple machines work and design their own machine. They use the Internet for research.

Students examine a variety of simple hardware devices. They observe the interactions between the elements of the devices, through both hands-on and Internet exploration. They complete worksheets and design their own gadgets.

Fourth graders access prior knowledge of simple machines to build a car. For this car design lesson, 4th graders create and race their cars.  Students evaluate what was good and bad about their designs. Each car will incorporate a...

Third graders study machines. They watch a video about and identify and chart machines they find at home and at school. They design and build simple and compound machines, create an advertisement for them and attempt to sell them at the...

Students create their own balance to determine a difference in the weight (and composition) of cents made in different years.

First graders discuss work, force, and energy. They study how work is done. Students discuss various types of work that are done. They act out how work is done. Student draw pictures of types of work they have done.

Students practice making prints of their own unique designs. In this printmaking lesson, students create a design with paint on Styrofoam plates. They press their painted picture on paper to create a duplicate print. They then practice...

Fourth graders predict, observe, and compare what happens when a force is applied to an object. In this forces lesson plan, 4th graders complete a 'swinging hammer' activity to learn about forces and motion.

Students practice measurement and geography in this activity. They build a Lego vehicle using an RCX. They predict how many seconds it will take their vehicle to reach a specific state on the United States of America map that each group...

Learners discuss rockets and how they work. Students research basic information about the Space Shuttle. Learners work in collaborative groups creating "rockets" with empty film canisters. Students launch their "rockets" and record...

Students discover the importance of fire safety. For this fire prevention lesson, students identify problems in a house that could lead to a fire and draw their own homes that include the appropriate fire prevention tools. The students...

Students study civil engineering, safety apparatuses in their city, and design their own city. In this civil engineering instructional activity, students discuss their towns safety apparatuses and define civil engineers. Students then...

Students explore the concept of space. In this space lesson, students pretend to be aerospace engineers. Students build space ships out of cardboard tubes. Students discuss what aerospace engineers do. Students model their space ships...